SCC kicks off scholarship fundraiser

Southwestern Community College Foundation has launched a “Student Success Campaign” that aims to raise more than $1 million for scholarships by fall 2014.

“Last year, 225 students filled out applications and were deserving of financial assistance,” said SCC President Don Tomas. “But we only had enough money to award scholarships to 43 of those applicants. We want to do more, and we need your help.”

At a kickoff for the fundraising campaign held in Macon Bank earlier this month, students who have benefited from SCC scholarships — who would not have been able to go to college without financial support — offered testimonials.

At the event, the largest single donation to the campaign so far — a check for $33,333.33 — was presented on behalf of Macon Bank by Chief Operating Officer Ryan Scaggs.

Jackson County businessman Charles Wolfe, who’s chairman of the Student Success Campaign, told potential donors to consider the fundraising effort as an investment in their communities since 90 percent of SCC’s graduates remain in the college’s service area of Jackson, Macon, Swain Counties and the Qualla Boundary after completing their education.

“For me, this is a no-brainer because these students we help become productive members of our community,” Wolfe said. “If you went out to get a haircut or had your car worked on or went to a doctor’s office today, chances are the person who provided you that service graduated from SCC.”